Overview & Reviews
Introduced in 1979, the Honda Prelude was the company's first attempt at building an exciting car that still held true to the core Honda values of intelligent design and reliability. Over the next two decades, the two-door sport coupe would become the primary performance car in the Honda lineup. Although it was outfitted with relatively powerful engines in later generations, the Prelude was not a muscle car. It was built around handling and drivability, while providing enough power to remain competitive.
Over its life, several new technologies for Honda were pioneered on the Prelude, such as fuel injection, four-wheel steering and Honda's Active Torque Transfer System. The Prelude was also the first Honda model to get VTEC, the company's variable valve timing engine technology.
Though the Honda Prelude was very popular throughout the '80s, consumer interest waned in the '90s. Eventually, the Prelude was trapped in an under-$30,000 no-man's land. For a sporty front-wheel-drive coupe, it was just too pricey, and it didn't have sports car looks or a sufficiently premium feel. By the turn of the millennium, the sport coupe market was a shadow of its former self. Honda dropped the Prelude without a replacement after the 2001 model year. As a pre-owned option, however, the rewarding and reliable Prelude merits serious consideration from driving enthusiasts on a budget.
Most Recent Honda Prelude
If you're searching for a used Honda Prelude, you'll likely be encountering the fifth and final generation, which was sold from 1997-2001. It was larger and heavier than any of the previous models. It was also the most dynamic. There were two trim levels: base and Type SH. Both got a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with VTEC and a standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was available as an option on the base model. Initially, the engine put out 195 horsepower, but in 1999, Honda bumped maximum power up to 200 hp in the manual-transmission models.
Both trims were equipped with a generous array of standard features that included 16-inch alloy wheels, ABS, cruise control, a sunroof, air-conditioning and full power accessories. The main difference between the base model and the Type SH was the addition of Honda's Active Torque Transfer System, an electronic system that distributed torque to the outside drive wheel in cornering situations. Its purpose was to minimize understeer and thus mimic rear-wheel-drive cornering characteristics.
In road and comparison tests, our editors found the Honda Prelude Type SH to be one of the best-handling cars in its class -- truly a driver's car. It was nimble and well balanced, while also maintaining a decent amount of ride comfort. There was just enough engine performance to be sporty, with the VTEC four performing a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation in feel and sound above 5,200 rpm. Zero-to-60 times were in the low 7s. In 1999, the Prelude won Edmunds.com's Editors' Most Wanted award for Best Sport Coupe ($10,000-$25,000). In 2000, it won again for Best Sport Coupe.
Despite being a great-performing car, the Honda Prelude was lacking in other areas. The interior boasted high-quality materials and construction, but it lacked the visual pizzazz buyers had come to expect from a car with a $26,000 price tag. Honda maintained a conservative approach here, filling the cabin with a monochromatic color scheme and Accord-like gauges and controls. The front seats, though comfortable, weren't available in leather and had limited adjustability. The rear seats had minimal legroom. The fifth-generation Prelude has aged well, however, as that restrained interior design now seems classier and less dated than brash designs like the contemporary Toyota Celica.
Past Honda Preludes
The other Honda Prelude one should consider is the fourth-generation model, which was sold for the 1992-'96 model years. A complete overhaul of the previous model, this Prelude was slightly shorter, much wider and a far better-handling car. The S trim featured a 135-hp 2.2-liter SOHC four-cylinder. The Si had a 160-hp 2.3-liter DOHC four-cylinder with a healthy 156 pound-feet of torque. From 1993 on, the fourth-generation Prelude could also be had in range-topping Si VTEC trim, which brought a 2.2-liter 190-hp DOHC four equipped with Honda's electronic variable valve timing (VTEC) system. A four-wheel-steering system was available in 1992-'93, though only on the Si model.
In general, the fourth-generation Prelude earned favorable commentary in reviews at the time. It offered excellent handling, and nearly all who drove it liked the power of the VTEC-equipped engine. Criticisms were mostly directed at the car's odd interior design. A sweeping blacked-out instrument cluster extended across the entire dash, and few found the mix of analog and digital gauges appealing.
User Reviews:
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Prelude Love - 2001 Honda Prelude
By Brandy - October 16 - 2:00 amThe Prelude is a practical sports car - classy and reliable. It is such a fun car to drive!
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LOADS OF FUN - 1995 Honda Prelude
By HONDA BOY - October 15 - 2:00 amNEVER ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL, ALWAYS RUNS, FUN TO DRIVE AND AUTOCROSS. CAR IS AWESOME
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Noisy Rear Suspension - 2000 Honda Prelude
By Thaddeus - October 14 - 2:00 amThis car has been nice, with the exception of a noisy rear suspension. I love the exterior styling and motor is very strong for a 2.2L. However, whenever I hit bumps, or leave a driveway, or do anything to move the rear suspension much, it squeaks and grinds. This has been fixed twice by the dealer, only to return. I am ready to take it in for a third time, before my warranty ends. I may end up trading the vehicle in since it seems to be a design flaw, rather than a repairable issue. This isnt what I expected from Honda.
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Best Car in the World - 1996 Honda Prelude
By My lil Lude - October 7 - 2:00 amPerfect beautiful car. Couldnt ask for more.
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decent - 1990 Honda Prelude
By ratrap - October 7 - 2:00 amthis car has been a great car and for the most part reliable. ive had a few problems with electrical but thats about it.
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Look no further.... - 1998 Honda Prelude
By RudeLude - October 1 - 2:00 amIve owned my 98 for a year and a half now. Ive put major miles on it and STILL not a darn thing wrong with it. Its too good of a car. The low rpm power is minimal, but after 3grand (especially after 5 grand...LOOK OUT!!!) The H22A those fine engineers over at Honda put into this classy lil chassis is top notch! It is a shame that Honda was stupid and discontinued the Lude. Oh yeah....did i mention the HANDLING??? One word-MINT!
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1999 Honda Prelude SH - 1999 Honda Prelude
By Billaze - September 27 - 2:00 amThis car is an amazing machine. It handles like no other car I have ever driven. Its performance is comporable to luxury sport coupes that are much more expensive. I used to own a 93 Prelude VTEC and have recently purchased the 99 Type SH. I am very happy with the Honda Prelude.
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Nothing better in 94 - 1994 Honda Prelude
By dynasty - September 22 - 2:00 amDidnt really like it when they first came out, but after driving it. . .OH MY GOD! This VTEC is quick and it handles incredibly well. I have taken mine to 135mph on several occasions and I have taken a few fwy interchange ramps at 100mph! Z-rated tires necessary but no suspension modifications. I consistently beat Boxsters - no joke! If youre thinking about getting one, do it. If youre thinking about selling one, dont because theres nothing out there that can compare to this for the price.
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I love my car! - 1998 Honda Prelude
By mbell42 - September 16 - 2:00 amVroom. Great handling in all types of weather. Even nice on long trips. The Sport-shift in the base automatic gives you the fun of a manual without all the annoyances in rush-hour traffic (no clutch!).
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The best car Ive owned - 1993 Honda Prelude
By Billie - September 14 - 2:00 amIve gone thought 5 cars in 2 years a toyota pickup, 90 honda accord, 92 toyota paseo, 89 ford tempo, 93 honda prelude. I love this car. its quicker than any Ive had. It can hold its own without adding the stuff that will eventually destroy your engine, nos, turbo, supercharger. I love that kids in civics try to play with my car and they get torn up.
